Tranmere began the game in disastrous fashion when, after miscontrolling, Palmer was shown a straight red card for his challenge on Jacobson. And it went from bad to worse only four minutes later when Fon Williams fumbled and Porter pounced.

Fon Williams redeemed himself with a brilliant diving save to deny David McAllister's low shot, then Porter missed his kick with the goal gaping after the break before McAllister shot over.

But, after Fon Williams made another fine save to deny Porter, Shrewsbury sealed victory from the resulting corner on 67 minutes when Gayle nodded in with the keeper stranded.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Tranmere Rovers manager Ronnie Moore told BBC Radio Merseyside:

"Some people are saying it was a sending-off and some were saying it wasn't - but it's certainly affected the game.

"We were down to 10 men after 10 minutes, and then our goalkeeper who's been fantastic all season - you can't legislate for what's happened there.

"We're disappointed because it's a game we've lost, which on paper we could have won. If we have 11 against 11, I think we win the game."

Shrewsbury manager Graham Turner told BBC Radio Shropshire:

"Our away record hasn't been too bad of late and defensively we've been reasonable. Our goal difference is now down to -4, which could be crucial at the end of the season.

"We hope not and that we'll have pulled well away from the relegation zone. Only time will tell how big a three points that will be.

"Sometimes it's more difficult to play against 10 men, especially a decent team like Tranmere and on such a tricky pitch. It takes a little bit of courage when you're down the bottom of the table to have the confidence to pass the ball.

"The red card was a long way from where I'm stood at pitch level. From people who've seen replays, it's most probably justified. Joe Jacobson doesn't go down too readily."

Possession

Shots

On target

Corners

Fouls

Live Text Commentary

Effort on goal by Matthew Richards from inside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the bar.

90:00 +3:55

Adam McGurk is ruled offside. Free kick taken by Chris Weale.

90:00 +1:47

The ball is delivered by Max Power, blocked by Matthew Richards. Short corner taken by Andy Robinson. Andy Robinson produces a cross.

90:00 +1:27

Short corner taken by Andy Robinson.

90:00 +0:50

Corner taken by Adam McGurk from the right by-line played to the near post, David McAllister makes a clearance.

87:22

The ball is sent over by David McAllister, Donervorn Daniels manages to make a clearance.

86:31

Andy Robinson concedes a free kick for a foul on Luke Rodgers. The free kick is swung in right-footed by Stephen McGinn, Paul Corry makes a clearance.

83:40

Direct free kick taken by Owain Fon Williams.

83:40 Substitution

Substitution Robert Purdie comes on in place of Paul Parry.

83:40

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Paul Corry by David McAllister.

82:06

Unfair challenge on Adam McGurk by Darren Jones results in a free kick. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Andy Robinson from right channel, David McAllister manages to make a clearance. David McAllister concedes a free kick for a foul on Zoumana Bakayogo. Free kick crossed left-footed by Paul Corry from left wing, Chris Weale makes a save.

81:29

Centre by Zoumana Bakayogo, Adam McGurk has a headed effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of the target.

80:33 Substitution

Substitution (Tranmere) makes a substitution, with David Amoo coming on for Michael O'Halloran.

80:22

Andy Robinson has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box missing to the wide right of the target.

79:55

Adam McGurk has a drilled shot. Blocked by Cameron Gayle.

77:44 Substitution

Substitution Luke Rodgers on for Marvin Morgan.

77:25

Effort from range distance by Donervorn Daniels goes wide of the right-hand upright.

76:46

Corner taken right-footed by Max Power to the near post, clearance by Matthew Richards.

75:57

The ball is delivered by Andy Robinson, Darren Jones makes a clearance. Inswinging corner taken by Andy Robinson from the left by-line played to the near post, Darren Jones manages to make a clearance. Max Power takes a shot. Matthew Richards gets a block in.

71:24

Andy Robinson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Marvin Morgan. Stephen McGinn crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from right channel, clearance by Paul Corry.